Infrared Sauna
Far-infrared heat that penetrates deep into tissue, mimicking a cardiovascular workout and driving detoxification.
What is Infrared Sauna?
Far-infrared saunas emit wavelengths of light (5–15 microns) that are absorbed by water molecules in the body, heating tissue directly from within rather than heating the surrounding air—making them more tolerable and physiologically efficient than traditional saunas.
How it works
Far-infrared light penetrates 1.5 inches into soft tissue, raising core temperature and triggering the same cardiovascular response as moderate exercise—increased heart rate, sweating, vasodilation, and heat shock protein production.
Why clients use it
Clients incorporate Infrared Sauna into their protocols for a range of goals and conditions — from acute recovery to long-term optimization.
Cardiovascular health and mimetic exercise effect
Heavy metal and toxin elimination via sweat
Chronic pain and joint stiffness
Muscle relaxation and recovery
Mental health and stress reduction
What to expect
A private infrared sauna cabin session at your chosen temperature (typically 120–150°F). Bring water. Towels provided. The lower temperature than traditional sauna is better tolerated by most.
Safety considerations
Stay hydrated. Not recommended if pregnant or with certain cardiovascular conditions. Exit if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Recovery Stacking — Sequencing Guide
Based on clinical evidence, here is how Infrared Sauna pairs with other OutRecover modalities.
| Modality | Timing | What It Supports | Why It Works | Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | After | Oxygen saturation, deep cellular repair | Infrared sauna increases circulation and detoxification—HBOT follows to deliver oxygen more efficiently to primed tissues. | |
| PEMF Therapy | Before | Cellular energy, circulation | PEMF prepares tissues at the cellular level—enhancing blood flow and mitochondrial readiness for sauna therapy. | |
| Red Light Therapy | Before | Mitochondrial stimulation, inflammation reduction | Sauna heat reduces RLT penetration depth—doing RLT first ensures optimal photobiomodulation benefits. | |
| Class IV Laser Therapy | Before | Deep tissue stimulation, pain relief | Sauna-induced heat impairs laser penetration—laser first ensures effective photobiomodulation and reduces ROS overload. | |
| Dry Cold Plunge | After | Nervous system reset, inflammation reduction | Cold plunge after heat promotes contrast therapy benefits like vascular flushing and inflammation control. | |
| BOA Max Lymphatic Compression | After | Lymphatic drainage, metabolic waste clearance | Sauna mobilizes toxins—BOA follows to flush them out via the lymphatic system. | |
| Normatec Compression | After | Circulation support, fluid movement | Post-sauna, Normatec amplifies circulatory and lymphatic flow for enhanced recovery. | |
| Molecular Hydrogen | Before or After | Oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial support | Hydrogen protects against ROS from heat stress—can be used to prep cells before or aid recovery after sauna. | |
| Vitamin D Light Therapy | Before or After | Immune support, energy, mood | Vitamin D synthesis is a skin-level photochemical reaction—safe and effective before or after sauna. |
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen saturation, deep cellular repair
Infrared sauna increases circulation and detoxification—HBOT follows to deliver oxygen more efficiently to primed tissues.
PEMF Therapy
Cellular energy, circulation
PEMF prepares tissues at the cellular level—enhancing blood flow and mitochondrial readiness for sauna therapy.
Red Light Therapy
Mitochondrial stimulation, inflammation reduction
Sauna heat reduces RLT penetration depth—doing RLT first ensures optimal photobiomodulation benefits.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Deep tissue stimulation, pain relief
Sauna-induced heat impairs laser penetration—laser first ensures effective photobiomodulation and reduces ROS overload.
Dry Cold Plunge
Nervous system reset, inflammation reduction
Cold plunge after heat promotes contrast therapy benefits like vascular flushing and inflammation control.
BOA Max Lymphatic Compression
Lymphatic drainage, metabolic waste clearance
Sauna mobilizes toxins—BOA follows to flush them out via the lymphatic system.
Normatec Compression
Circulation support, fluid movement
Post-sauna, Normatec amplifies circulatory and lymphatic flow for enhanced recovery.
Molecular Hydrogen
Oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial support
Hydrogen protects against ROS from heat stress—can be used to prep cells before or aid recovery after sauna.
Vitamin D Light Therapy
Immune support, energy, mood
Vitamin D synthesis is a skin-level photochemical reaction—safe and effective before or after sauna.
Sequencing guidance is based on clinical evidence and practitioner experience. Always consult with your OutRecover team before beginning a protocol.
Infrared Sauna is used in these Recovery Stacks
Ready to try Infrared Sauna?
Book a session or explore a Recovery Stack that includes this modality.